In about six months' time, Gregg Blanchard has dropped the weight of an average man, going from entirely immobile to taking a shower for the first time in more than seven years.

When News 9 first met Blanchard, he weighed 804 pounds. He said simple tasks like taking a shower were difficult or impossible.

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"I could never feel sturdy enough to lift my leg over the tub," he said. "My legs were always too weak to stand."

Blanchard now weighs less than 600 pounds, but he said he measures progress more in the life skills he has regained. He's also more able to help his wife, Anne, around the house.

"It's not just pounds, it's walking without crutches," he said. "Now, I use a cane sparingly. The little things make much more of a difference than the number on the scale."

It hasn't been easy. Blanchard admitted that at times, he has been ready to give up.

His trainer, Mary Wiseman, has also seen difficult days. She's donated both her time and expertise and said she has high expectations for him. Also watching Blanchard's journey is Dr. Denise Lamothe, a clinical psychologist and emotional eating expert.

"It's met expectations in that he's making great changes," Wiseman said. "I thought things would happen quicker, but I didn't know."

Lamothe has particular insight into Blanchard's longstanding dysfunctional relationship with food. She said she has been obese and anorexic, and battled back from both.

Her book, "The Taming of the Chew," has helped Blanchard figure out how some of his issues started and take a hard look at how to fix them.

"He's working on himself," Lamothe said. "How proud he is that he can take care of his wife. If you look, you can see his spirit. He's well on his way."

Blanchard didn't set any specific goal for the next time News 9 checks in. He would only say that he wants to continue helping his wife around the house, and by spring, he wants to take a walk around his neighborhood.